Antarctic – Fly South, Cruise The Peninsula & South Georgia

The Trip

Day 1: Punta Arenas – Arrive and enjoy dinner with fellow guests
Day 2: South Shetlands – Take a flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island
Day 3-6: Antarctic: Explore the South Shetlands and Peninsula
Day 7-9: At Sea – Spend a few days at sea crossing to South Georgia
Day 10-13: South Georgia – Explore South Georgia
Day 14-15: At Sea – Cross over to the Falklands
Day 16: Falklands – Arrive and fly to Santiago
Day 17: Santiago – Depart Santiago

Day 1

Today you can arrive in Punta Arenas in Chile at any time.  There are plenty of museums, restaurants and shops to explore if you arrive early. In the evening you will meet your fellow guests and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2

This morning you will board your flight to King George Island jumping over the Drake Passage. Enjoy your first glimpse of the Antarctic from this unique perspective. Arrive and board the ship.

Day 3-6

As you cross past the Antarctic Convergence the true expedition begins. You will have your first sighting of a towering iceberg that gently glides past the boat. Over the next four days you will explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

You will take zodiac excursions from the ship to explore the bays, channels and make landings. As this is a wildlife focused expedition you will visit areas that have penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and look for seals including the cunning leopard seal.

When you make your first landing on the white continent you will climb up some of the snowy hills to get spectacular 360° views over the surroundings. From Orne Harbour you can see a huge chinstrap penguin colony. If you’re feeling brave why not take part in the Polar Plunge swim.

A full itinerary is impossible as it depends on weather conditions at the time. Whichever regions you will see much wildlife and incredible scenery.

Day 7-9

The next few days will be at sea crossing over to South Georgia. This will not be wasted time. Along the way you can spend time on deck searching for seabirds and whales and there will be a series of lectures and presentations by the expedition team.

Day 10-13

Arrive in South Georgia, one of the most interesting areas in the Antarctic for both wildlife and the human history. Learn about the inhabitants who arrived here many years ago to hunt for whale, fur and elephant seals. Visit the whaling stations and visit the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

After the history you will focus on wildlife. South Georgia is sometimes called the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ due to its high numbers and variation of wildlife. An exact itinerary will depend on weather conditions but a typical day could include a visit to a beach filled with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins, have a close encounter with a fur seal colony or take a hike in search of the many sea birds.

Day 14-15

The next two days will be at sea as you cross over to the Falkland Islands. These days can be as busy or relaxing as you please. Go on deck to spot whales or sea birds, attend lectures and presentations by Polar experts or take some time to reflect on the things you have seen and share stories with fellow shipmates.

Day 16

Arrive in the Falklands and disembark in the capital, Port Stanley. You will have plenty of time to explore the town and surrounding area, visit the churches, museums or have a drink in one of the traditional British pubs. In the afternoon you will board a flight back to Santiago in Chile and overnight in a hotel near the airport.

Day 17

This morning you will transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Prices in US Dollars and are per person. Prices in other currencies on request.